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    Two Former Barcelona Chefs Will Open a New Restaurant in the University District

    Two former Barcelona chefs are striking out on their own to open a new restaurant in the University District. Alqueria, offering traditional American dishes with a twist, will open in the former Angry Baker space at 247 King Ave. in early 2019.

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    At the helm are Jacob Hough and Patrick Marker, who served as executive chef and executive sous chef at Barcelona for nine and 10 years respectively. They’ve paid homage to their time there with the Spanish name of their restaurant, which means “farmhouse.”

    “For both of us it’s been a childhood dream,” Hough says about their new venture. “We both went to culinary school with the dream to one day get to this level. That’s the one and only reason that we would be leaving [Barcelona].”

    The two started planning three years ago, but it was on hold until they could find a location. Hough says the University District is an ideal location for them — it’s pedestrian heavy, encouraging walk-ins; and they’ve got other restaurants and bars nearby, like Yellow Brick Pizza and Bottle Shop.

    The menu is still being finalized, but Hough says they’ll serve up new takes on American cuisine for lunch, dinner and brunch, and much of it will depend on what local farmers have available. He mentioned dishes like hot chicken and waffles for brunch, quinoa and kale salads for lunch, and pork shank for dinner. Vegan and vegetarian dishes will be offered as well.

    Along with the Angry Baker space, Hough and Marker acquired the old coffee shop space next door. It allows them a main dining area for 60 and a side room that can seat up to 20 people for private events or overflow on busy nights and weekends. In the spring, a front patio will offer an additional 15 seats.

    Alqueria embraces the farmhouse theme, says Hough, decked out in reclaimed wood and accented with copper fixtures and actual farmhouse doors. Local artist Michael Marsan will add a mural to the wall behind the bar.

    Hough and Marker are awaiting final inspections but, barring any setbacks, they plan to open Alqueria by mid-January. They’ll operate daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    For more information, visit Alqueria’s Facebook page

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    Lauren Sega
    Lauren Segahttps://columbusunderground.com
    Lauren Sega is the former Associate Editor for Columbus Underground and a current freelance writer for CU. She covers political issues on the local and state levels, as well as local food and restaurant news. She grew up near Cleveland, graduated from Ohio University's Scripps School of Journalism, and loves running, traveling and hiking.
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